On a peaceful, sacred holiday, the sound of holy bells resonated through the air.
The attendees at the wedding ceremony couldn’t hold back their admiration as they gazed at the bride and groom.
“Good heavens, Lord Ru looks as dashing as ever today.”
“Not just dashing… beautiful. I’ve never seen someone so stunning in my entire life.”
Ru Vansen, a newly risen noble who had suddenly appeared in the empire, possessed looks so breathtaking that he robbed countless women in the capital of their sleep.
Though many had boldly pursued him, all of that ended today.
Ru’s fiancée had arrived, and the wedding was now underway!
“Charl Courtney, was it? I hate to say this, but… she does suit Lord Ru.”
“Of course, our Lord Ru is far more handsome and elegant!”
The women glared at the bride, Charl, clutching their handkerchiefs in frustration. But Charl paid no attention to their stares or rather, she had no time to.
Why?
“Do the bride and groom pledge to serve and love each other for the rest of your lives under the auspices of the sacred sun?”
“Yes, I do.”
Why?
Because Charl wasn’t Ru’s true fiancé… she was his fellow spy! Worse, they were sworn enemies who clashed at every turn…
“Bride. Your answer.”
How did things end up like this? Charl glanced up at Ru, dressed in his sleek tailcoat.
He gazed back at her with a face as gentle as an angel’s. To anyone else, his eyes might have seemed filled with tender affection… but Charl knew better.
She was well aware of what a devil he truly was! Even if it’s for the mission, I have to marry this bastard?*
“Bride. Will you not answer?”
But it was too late to turn back. Charl gripped her bouquet tightly and bowed her head.
“Yes… I Do.”
Clap-clap—
The hall erupted in applause. Stop clapping! I said stop! Ugh, this is infuriating…!
“Now, the ceremonial kiss.”
Charl stifled the urge to bolt. She turned to Ru and whispered in a voice only he could hear:
“Fake it. If you actually kiss me, I’ll kill you.”
Naturally, she assumed they’d only pretend for the crowd.
After all, we’re just “fake” spouses forced into this marriage for the mission. But then…
“Oh my!”
“Wow…”
Charl froze, stunned, as she felt the soft, lingering sensation of… Wait, what?
